(1) Cadet 1st Lt. Matthew Sorcic’s smile as he emerges from the B-17 Aluminum Overcast leaves little doubt about his feelings following a flight on the vintage bomber.
(2) The warbird takes flight.
(3) Cadet Airman 1st Class Cole Swiszowski and Cadet Basic Jack Fontaine apply some elbow grease to the underside of the B-17’s wing.
(4) The Aluminum Overcast’s nose art, redone in 1988.
Cadet 1st Lt. Matthew Sorcic
Officer in Charge
B-17 Fly-In
Gwinnett County Composite Squadron
Georgia Wing
GEORGIA— The Gwinnet County Composite Squadron renewed its relationship with the crew of the B-17 Aluminum Overcast the weekend of Oct. 3-4 when the vintage warbird flew in to Gwinnett County Airport near Lawrenceville.
Senior members and cadets showed up to assist the event staff for the B-17 fly-in assist and also to participate in fund-raising for the squadron.
Cadets were responsible for managing parking for the event, which included making sure that no other roads or complexes at the airport were blocked by the massive amount of people who came to view the Experimental Aircraft Association’s restored World War II B-17 on its “Salute Our Veterans Tour” visit.
The cadets also got to meet several veterans of not only World War II but also the Korean, Vietnam and Iraq wars.
The squadron exceeded its previous fundraising high for the event, collecting well over $1,000 through sales of hot dogs, hamburgers and doughnuts to hungry guests. Members also solicited donations for the Dec. 12 observation of Wreaths Across America, collecting more than 15 pledges for wreaths in less than an hour.
